Why The Brammo Empulse Is A Step Forward In Electric Motorcycles

Recently the Oregon based manufacturer of electric motorcycles, Brammo, launched their flagship motorcycle, the Brammo Empulse and the Empulse R.

The Empulse had already been teased to the media 2 years beforehand, when they unveiled their prototype. For the first time, an electric motorcycle looked like a traditional motorcycle. In fact, it looks a bit like a Ducati Monster.

Beginning May, at a big media bash in Hollywood, an excellent choice for announcing an electric motorcycle, the Empulse and Empulse R were released to the eager media.

But what makes the Empulse interesting compared to other models, including Brammo’s own Enertia, is that the bike has a 6-speed gearbox.

Electric motorcycles have no gearbox, since the engine revs turn the chain to the exact speed you require, often with an incredible torque. But bikers are already missing the sounds that motorcycles make; having them miss out on shifting through the gears may be one of the several reasons electric motorcycles aren’t catching on (plus range, performance and mostly cost).

Now you can buy an electric motorcycle that will give you a top speed of 100 mph, and range of 100 miles, AND shift through 6 gears, just like what you would now on your own traditional bike.

$16,995 will get you the Empulse, $18,995 gets you the Empulse R (the difference being the materials used: more carbon fiber instead of plastic). But for that money, you get a “real feel” bike and respectable performance and range. Will the gallon price of gasoline nowadays, the investment could start paying off real soon.